2015 Build It Green Awards Recognize Leaders and Innovators in the Building Industry

Build It Green announced the winners of its 2015 Build It Green Awards at the BIG Bash celebration on Dec. 10
at the Jack London Aquatic Center in Oakland. More than 200 professionals from across the building industry attended.

The Build It Green Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership in residential green building in California.

“I am thrilled to honor the movers and shakers of our industry, whose innovations and dedication are transforming homes across California,” said Larry Simi, Interim CEO of Build It Green. “Our award winners showcase the range of efforts that are required to make homes greener and more energy efficient in California. This effort requires bold new policies and legislation; cost-effective building practices; and smart programs that incentivize homeowners to make energy upgrades. Build It Green is proud to support the work of these organizations, and to help Senator Leno’s pioneering legislation succeed.”

Green Visionary Award Winner:
Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco
Build It Green’s Green Visionary award is given to innovators who are leading the way in energy efficiency and sustainable polices for California. This year’s award was granted to Senator Mark Leno for his strong record of promoting renewable energy sources, as well as for his recent work as a co-author of SB 350: The Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015. The landmark climate bill, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in October, increases California’s renewable energy mix to 50 percent and doubles the energy efficiency of existing buildings. With a combined focus on renewables, integration, and energy use, SB-350 helps Californians manage their energy use and utility bills, while supporting the clean technology sector.

Sustaining Partner Award Winner: StopWaste
The Sustaining Partner Award is given to those who have partnered with Build It Green to make green building a standard practice. StopWaste, a public agency dedicated to reducing waste in Alameda County, has been extremely effective at adapting to market changes and creating market-friendly solutions that can be used well beyond the boundaries of Alameda County.

The organization has provided substantial funding and technical support for the development of trainings and resources for building professionals since 2004, and it been instrumental in demonstrating the unique contributions local governments can make to promote energy-efficient, green building in their communities. StopWaste has been an invaluable partner to Build It Green since its founding, and it has been instrumental in the creation of the GreenPoint Rated certification program.

Community Partner Awards
Build It Green’s Community Partner Awards are given to those who work with building professionals and have demonstrated a commitment to energy efficiency and green building through Build It Green’s programs in 2015.

BELL BROTHERS
A plumbing and HVAC company serving the Sacramento area, Bell Brothers is the highest-volume participant in the Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade rebate program in Pacific Gas & Electric territory. (The program is implemented by Build It Green.) In 2015, Bell Brothers submitted more 150 projects to the program and performed a range of upgrades (heating, insulation, ventilation) to help homeowners save energy and money and improve the health and comfort of their homes.

BROWER MECHANICAL
Brower Mechanical provides a full range of heating, air conditioning, building performance and solar service. Brower is also a leading contractor in the Home Upgrade rebate program, as well as a high-volume participant in the AC Quality Care rebate program, which Build It Green implements. Brower’s work is helping PG&E to lower energy use across its territory.

ENERGUY
Energuy is a team of expert energy upgrade consultants who assist HVAC contractors in the Home Upgrade rabate program and simplify the process for them. For 2015, Energuy managed the submission of more than 500 projects, representing a major reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions for these homes.

PALM SPRINGS REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Palm Springs Regional Association of REALTORS® (PSRAR) has been serving the Coachella Valley for 85 years. They have been a key promoter of the free National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation trainings and certifications offered across Southern California, thanks to support from The Energy Network. PSRAR is committed to encouraging its members to spread the green philosophy and to act as a positive force for creating sustainable and energy-efficient communities.

PARTNER ENERGY, INC.
Partner Energy, a nationwide provider of energy efficiency services, is a leader in bringing energy efficiency to multifamily building owners. They have guided numerous projects through The Energy Network Multifamily Rebate Program, and they have the highest completed number of projects—from senior living centers and affordable housing to high-rise apartment buildings--to date. Their leadership and support have been instrumental to the program’s success.

REDWOOD ENERGY
Redwood Energy has performed inspiring work with Build It Green’s GreenPoint Rated home certification program and has helped to design and build more than 650 units of zero net energy affordable housing. Redwood Energy has been the technical lead in developing a tool for Build It Green’s Zero Net Energy pathway. They also help guide local jurisdictions in addressing zero net energy goals.